SARASOTA – Hundreds of people occupied JD Hamel Park to show solidarity against recent anti-Semitic attacks in the country. “You saw the best of parts of Sarasota and Manatee coming out,” said Howard Tevlowitz.
Hundreds come together for the No Hate, No Fear Solidarity Rally in downtown Sarasota Wednesday night. Men and women of several faiths joined in unison and rallied against the anti-Semitic attacks that have claimed the life’s of those simply practicing their faith.
“It’s a very hard thing to watch when our family is being abused, beaten, persecuted whether it’s in the United States or around the world, so this is a moment where we come together and we says we’re here and we’re very proud of who we are,” said Tevlowitz,CEO of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota – Manatee.
The rally emulates the same solidarity march in New York this past weekend that saw thousands attend.
The demonstration brought several religious groups and organizations from around the Suncoast together something Pastor Fausto Stampigla, with St. Martha’s Catholic Church, says is the key to bringing all communities to fight back against hate crimes.
“We are doing that to show that here in America we can have unity of all the children of god,” said Stampigla.
Pastor Stampigla says no matter your religion or background all must come together now more than ever.
“We can live together peacefully. No more recreating the ancient fights forget about, let’s just be children, brothers and sisters, cause you are the children of one god, the creator,” said Stampigla.
Tevlowitz says seeing the huge support in numbers from the public he has hope that there will be no fear here on the Suncoast
“You heard the words tonight, it’s a beautiful thing to watch a community come together and it really warmed my heart tonight,” said Tevlowitz.
The Jewish Federation is asking the public to step up and show their support by texting JFED to 33222 to stay updated with the not-for-profit organization.